Reflection
There's this guy that rides the bus. I see him all the time. He is about 6' 3" - 275lbs. I saw him today. It is obvious that he has an emotional disorder. Usually wearing the same clothes. Talks to himself. When he got on the bus he sat down a few rows in front of me. The right side of his hair is so matted one would assume that it hasn't been washed in years.
What would Jesus do?! No, really.
Sometimes I wonder. Would he ask the guy if he wants to be saved? Humanly speaking it is impossible for him to be saved. Would Jesus wash his hair? Give him a gift certificate for spa treatment? Perhaps Jesus would be afraid of this very large and seemingly disturbed man. You know, like everybody else is. Especially when he starts twitching and contorting his face due to lack of medication.
It probably didn't help that I went to the theater [alone] to watch a reflective art movie. The kind of movie that has so much going for it - including intelligent performances that mesh beautifully, and a keen understanding of how seemingly small moments can rattle the foundations of families - that you walk away from it feeling it should add up to more. You know. An art film. The kind that wins awards. The kind that Christians don't go see. [Which is why I went alone.]
I wonder if Jesus would have gone with me? No, really.
Growing up in a Christian home I wasn't allowed to go to movies. Just in case Jesus returned while I was in the theater. Really.
It was a rather surreal night. Very still. Everything was wet from an earlier rain and the unusually warm winter temps seemed to bring people outside. There was a gang of BMX bikers riding wheelies down the middle of the street without caution. University students streaming out of a night class, making their way to various residences. Fast cars cruising the downtown core.
I was waiting for the bus. Again. Watching life around me. And reflecting.
What would Jesus do?! No, really.
Sometimes I wonder. Would he ask the guy if he wants to be saved? Humanly speaking it is impossible for him to be saved. Would Jesus wash his hair? Give him a gift certificate for spa treatment? Perhaps Jesus would be afraid of this very large and seemingly disturbed man. You know, like everybody else is. Especially when he starts twitching and contorting his face due to lack of medication.
It probably didn't help that I went to the theater [alone] to watch a reflective art movie. The kind of movie that has so much going for it - including intelligent performances that mesh beautifully, and a keen understanding of how seemingly small moments can rattle the foundations of families - that you walk away from it feeling it should add up to more. You know. An art film. The kind that wins awards. The kind that Christians don't go see. [Which is why I went alone.]
I wonder if Jesus would have gone with me? No, really.
Growing up in a Christian home I wasn't allowed to go to movies. Just in case Jesus returned while I was in the theater. Really.
It was a rather surreal night. Very still. Everything was wet from an earlier rain and the unusually warm winter temps seemed to bring people outside. There was a gang of BMX bikers riding wheelies down the middle of the street without caution. University students streaming out of a night class, making their way to various residences. Fast cars cruising the downtown core.
I was waiting for the bus. Again. Watching life around me. And reflecting.
Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
This entry was posted
on Monday, January 30, 2006 at 11:11 PM.
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3:50 PMi really enjoyed this.
as far as the gentleman on the bus - it's hard to say what jesus would have done. i get the impression that jesus would approach him and at least attempt to be common with him.
as far as what he would have done for him, it can be a hard call. one occasion is brought to mind: "...but they shouted all the louder, 'Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!' Jesus stopped and called them. 'What do you want me to do for you?' he asked." Matt.20:31-32
i get the sense that something about this man is calling to the spirit of christ that indwells you saying, "son of david, have mercy!" so, if you can beg the father for the courage, i would say step up, be common with him, and find out "what do you want me to do for you?"
thanks for a snippet and inside look into an evening of paul. if only i would always look at the world around me with such depth. even if it only brings more questions instead of answers.
11:35 AM
Paul - thanks for sharing your reflections.
I don't think Jesus would have feared the man. I don't think he could ever fear one of his children. As for going to the movies with you - He is always with us, so he already went.
As for what to do - ask God. Let him lead, but be prepared for the answer. I would venture to guess what it might be. Jesus never seemed to steer away from these types of people, in fact, quite the opposite. You may be in for quite the blessing brother. :)
6:00 PM
I totally need to see that movie. I hope it plays in the theaters again now that it was nominated.
12:58 PM
hey, this is not going to be old for me. i would love to hear any updates that you may have on this dilemma. i will keep checking back in here. praying for you.
11:51 PM
"I believe that there is a plan and a purpose for each person's life and that there are forces working in the universe to bring about good and to create a community of love and brotherhood. Those who can attune themselves to these forces - to God's purpose - can become special instruments of his will."
- Coretta Scott King, in her 1969 autobiography My Life with Martin Luther King, Jr. She died in her sleep Monday night at age 78.
Those who can attune themselves to these forces .... What's that say to us?
Not to disagree with you, Paul. Just a different view on this man. Somebody's home if he is able to figure out how to ride the bus.
The twitching and contorting of his face may be due to the medication he IS on. The meds for the mentally ill are sadly inadequate. And they bring on weight gain and they have quite dangerous side effects. Thus the 275 lbs. That's my educated deduction from your description. However, the medication does temper some symptoms that may not allow him to live out here with us.
Management... oh, we are so good at management... controlling everything around us to maintain the status quo... I've often wondered if our skilled management gets in His way. We trust more in this than we do in Him? I also believe that it is the Lord who gives knowledge to us as well and a lot of this management has come from those who have had the compassion to come alongside and help....
He doesn't have anyone to take "good" care of him, Paul. Noone in his life to say Hey there .... after you have a shower and change your clothes ..let's go to McD'S. Or how about a shave and brush your teeth and we'll go to Tim's. Or even .. no bus ticket until you have washed up...because he probably likes to ride the bus.... a "Takin' Care of Business" sort of thing. :-) I'm guessing this is the case....
There is a young man I know who would never change his clothes or shower or shave or brush his teeth without unconditional love surrounding him. And that is why he looks good and is dressed nicely because his support system didn't fail him.
What woukd Jesus do? That's simple to me.... he would have great compassion on him and heal him.
Bless the Lord Oh my soul who forgives all of my iniquities and heals all of my diseases.
If you can and if he will respond to you.... befriend him. Not many people smile at someone like this. He may slowly and happily accept your love.
As for the movie stuff when you were a kid? ( gentle smile ) and then there's the pastor who took his two year old kid to see Star Wars. We make such crazy rules for ourselves ....eh?
I would go to the movie with you and so would Mel and Jon. hugs
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